1 of every 5 female cancers in Kashmir is breast malignancy

Srinagar, Oct 26: Breast cancer, a silent killer among women, has solidified its position as the most prevalent malignancy among women in Kashmir.

Nearly one in five cancer cases among women in Kashmir is breast cancer, a deadly proposition given that early detection remains elusive for most.

According to the population-based cancer registry at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, breast cancer constitutes 18.59 percent of all cancers detected among Kashmiri women.

Without immediate interventions, the burden could rise further.

Over the past decade, breast cancer has surpassed other malignancies and is among the primary causes of cancer-related deaths among women, especially between 30 and 50 years of age.

However, according to doctors, late-stage diagnosis affects the outcomes in nearly 60 percent of women in Kashmir.

Treatment is sought only after the cancer has advanced, reducing the options and worsening the prognosis.

Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a simple tool to spot early changes like lumps or nipple discharge.

In a cross-sectional survey of 250 Kashmiri women at SMHS Hospital, a whopping 92.4 percent had never heard of BSE.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Head of the Department of General and Laparoscopic Surgery, GMC Srinagar, Dr Iqbal Saleem, said that it was important to spread awareness among adolescent girls.

“We need to start in schools. And these girls must understand what a BSE is, what they need to tell other women in their families. Only awareness can make a real change,” he said.

Dr Saleem said that although mammography facilities were limited, USG breast was available everywhere and could help in early detection.

“Any painful lump in the breast must be evaluated,” he said.

Senior Surgical Oncologist Paras Hospital Srinagar, Dr Shiekh Zahoor, said breast cancer is most common in Kashmiri women, in contrast to cervical cancer in other parts of the country.

It accounts for most cancer-related deaths and almost one-fourth to one-third of cancer cases in women nationally.

“Recent cancer statistics in Kashmir reveal similar trends, revealing breast cancer as the leading malignancy in females,” he said.

Dr Zahoor said that increasing public awareness through education and reducing stigma through open conversations and lifestyle modifications are important in reducing the impact of this malignancy in women.

“Besides, screening and self-breast examination hold promise in early detection and successful treatment,” he said.

The risk factors mirror a blend of modern influences and local challenges, although less studied.

In rural areas, access to healthcare is limited, and stigma around breast health further worsens the possibility of early detection.

A study in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district revealed that only 37 percent of women had even heard of breast cancer.

This low awareness means poor preventive practices.